And now, standing in this enormous apartment as the daughter of a president who was destined to serve in this position as the last member of a once-great political dynasty, I’m nothing. I have everything around me, but none of it is mine. I have no one around me even though I have a ring on my finger and a husband who goes out of his way to check with the doorman to make sure I’m home when I haven’t answered.

But even Fitz isn’t mine. Not in that way.

In some ways, I do feel dead.

“Parker, whatever you’re thinking⁠—”

“It wouldn’t be enough anyway.” I hang up the phone.

Whatever I can do—whatever I’m willing to do—won’t bring me back. It won’t bring Sarah back. And we’re the ones who matter. Us and god knows how many other kids… we all matter.

Day 128

Dear Fitzy,

Today I’ve been gone 128 days.

Yesterday, they let Sarah actually stay in the infirmary because when I found her in our room, she was throwing up and her vomit was green.

Today I gave myself an awful paper cut in “class” so I could go check on her.

She was gone.

I’m not angry. I’m relieved. I guess her being sick this entire time was a silver lining. Now she’s free. I’m sure the first thing she’ll do is visit Midnight and give him a good brushing before saddling him up. I’m sad I’m without her, don’t get me wrong. But I’m so happy she gets to have that sooner rather than later. I hope the two of them jump over the fence of the paddock and she rides away from the family that did this to her.

But this means the rebellion is over before it started. I can’t lead it myself.

Maybe someone will come for me. But I know they won’t. Because, by my calculations, the election is over. I bet my dad lost. I hope he did. I hope that karma came for him and my mom. And if it didn’t, one day, I will. That day will come when I turn 18 and they can’t keep me in here anymore.

But first, I’ll find Sarah.

And then, if I’m brave enough, I’ll send these scrappy letters to you.

Rebels Only.

Parker

Chapter 31

I scratch Midnight’s grey nose and he lets out a heavy sigh into my hand.

“He’s calm with you. Kind of like how he was with my sister,” Abby says.

I turn my head away from her and squeeze my eyes shut.

“My dad bought Midnight at auction. And when he came off the trailer, all hell broke loose.”

I shake my head. “What do you mean?”